Sailing enthusiast and St Swithun’s pupil Sophia Harper, age 14, has achieved a coveted place in the RYA Topper National Intermediate Squad. A maximum of 24 places are available in this boat class, awarded at the discretion of the selection committee for helms who have demonstrated the most potential to win medals for RYA Team GBR at international competitions in the future.
Sophia has been in the Zone squad for the last 2 years and to be selected for the Intermediate squad she has competed in numerous racing events and training as well as specific selector events. As a member of the Intermediate squad Sophia can look forward to training weekends, RYA Coach support at international events, remote coaching support from the National Squad Coach and numerous other benefits.
At the end of the summer she won the Topper class at Itchenor Fortnight, a two week racing event for 8 -18 year olds, at the Itchenor Sailing Club in Chichester, beating competitors of both sexes.